The Perdido Key area is home to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. In addition to showing off the best of the area's natural beauty, it also showcases some fascinating nuggets of American history that history buffs are sure to love.

Explore the forts of the Gulf Islands National Seashore

It's not hard to see the natural beauty that makes Perdido Key beach rentals so popular. The white sands, aquamarine waters and sunny climate have even earned the Gulf Islands a designation by the National Park Service (NPS) as a National Seashore.

This designation means the area from Perdido Key, Florida, and moving eastward is maintained with the utmost respect to nature, ensuring its beauty will continue to stun visitors for years to come. As much as the NPS preserves the environmental elements of its parks and seashores, it also goes to great lengths to preserve the nation's historical landmarks. This is why history buffs will be delighted with a trip to Perdido Key and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Fort Pickens

The largest of four forts built in the 19th century to defend Pensacola Bay, this fort played an important role in the Civil War. It was one of only four forts in the South that were never occupied by Confederate troops during the war, thanks to Lieutenant Adam Slemmer. He led his men to defend the fort during the tumultuous time between Abraham Lincoln's election in November 1860 and the April 1961 firing on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Fort Pickens was reinforced by these Union troops just one day after Fort Sumter surrendered to the Confederates. This prevented them from using the Pensacola Navy Yard and controlling Pensacola Bay.

Fort McRee

Located at the eastern end of Perdido Key, this fort was built between 1834 and 1839 to help the U.S. Army defend Pensacola Bay. The original fort, which had three tiers and a detached water battery, was destroyed over the course of a century, first being heavily damaged in a standoff between Confederate and Union forces in November 1861. Its foundations were crumbled by coastal erosion after that, but concrete Coast Artillery batteries were built there afterward. Battery 233, built in 1942, remains today for visitors to explore.

It's easy to bring your family here. Take a look at 3-bedroom Perdido Key vacation home rentals as well as other sizes of vacation condos and houses. They make a wonderful headquarters to explore the area, whether emphasizing the intriguing sites of American history or discovering its fascinating ecosystems.

Whether it's a rainy day or the warm sun is shining brightly, a visit to the National Museum of Naval Aviation should be on your itinerary while staying at a Gulf Shores area rental, especially if you're bringing your kids along with you.

It won't take long for you to realize you've just stepped aboard a significant piece of history at the Battleship USS Alabama, which served as a military vessel during World War II. Plan to spend a full day with your family viewing the battleship, the submarine USS Drum, and numerous airplanes at Battleship Memorial Park.

Perdido Key boasts plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. However, if rain clouds come out, there are still plenty of attractions for visitors in nearby Pensacola. With art, history and culture, the museums in this city round out any Gulf Shores area vacation.

Alabama's Fort Morgan, which sits at the entrance of Mobile Bay, played a key role in the Civil War. Years later, visitors can see this fascinating history up close with a trip to the fort and its museum, which stand today to provide a look into the past.

If you are spending your vacation in a Perdido Key condo rental on the beach, Big Lagoon State Park is an ideal destination for a day trip for the whole family. With hiking trails and opportunities for bird watching, swimming and fishing, there are activities to suit every member of your family.

Vacationing in Fort Morgan is a fantastic choice for the whole family, and a day trip to nearby Dauphin Island offers even more fun. Whether you'd like to see historical sites or dive deeper into nature, this island will keep you interested and entertained.

Between sessions of soaking up the rays on the beaches of Fort Morgan, Alabama, take some time to show your kids a little bit of history. The remnants of this historic fort illustrate the protective barrier used by soldiers during times of war.

You may have stunning beaches right outside your Perdido Key rental, but a trip to Perdido Key State Park is still a great opportunity to change up the scenery and explore the protected dune ecosystem. Of course, you can also swim, sun and stroll along the sandy white shore.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time during your vacation to Perdido Key, Florida. The fun you'll have on the beaches is priceless, but you can also visit plenty of historical sites in nearby Pensacola for free.